Kemar Roach: The Timeless Wonder From West Indies

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Kemar Roach in Test Cricket [Source: @CaribCricket/x.com]Kemar Roach in Test Cricket [Source: @CaribCricket/x.com]

West Indies are all set to take on Bangladesh in the first Test of the two match series. The match will be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua. The Caribbean team will be looking to switch their game for the purest format and overhaul the visitors in this game with as much efficiency as possible.

As West Indies look to make a strong comeback into the Test arena, Kemar Roach becomes an important part of the team. The 36-year-old seems to be ageing like fine wine for the West Indies. The pacer's career has now elongated for 15 years without much change in his efficiency. He has been a leader of their pace attack in the longest format for quiet some time now and has played the role with great efficiency.

Talking about longevity with efficiency, let us take a look at Roach's performance in Test cricket over the years.

Kemar Roach's Test Performance Over The Years

Year
Matches
Wickets
Average
Strike Rate
200952029.3054.20
201051626.9350.20
20114755.1499.40
201273922.2541.00
20132328.3366.00
201462820.7144.90
20157980.44124.00
201610--
201772525.4850.90
201861922.3142.30
201962718.0743.00
202041136.9080.00
202182723.8851.90
202262227.0453.50
202351239.8362.50
20244827.6248.80

In career that has lasted over 15 years, the bowing average has gone over 30 on only four occasions. This speaks of the remarkable consistency of the man. Kemar Roach has always been known for the heart and effort he has put in his bowling. His spells at the speed and consistency for such a long period of time talks about the tenacity of the man.

Kemar Roach's Performance In Different Conditions

Continent
Matches
Wickets
Average
Strike Rate
Africa61826.0051.60
Asia12
1944.36
79.10
Americas4518722.6646.80
Europe82733.1162.50
Oceania122251.7778.70

The numbers of Kemar Roach across the different continents show us that he not only stood the test of the time but has also delivered brilliant performances across conditions. Barring his performances in Australia and Asia, the numbers show that Kemar Roach has been brilliant in different conditions.

Conclusion

Kemar Roach burst into the cricketing scenario as a pacy bowler whose sole intention was to trigger the speed-o-meter. But as his career as evolved, Roach has adapted himself and has broken himself as a bowler to be successful in different conditions and under different match situations.